Key points
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi deliver exceptional performance for gaming and other demanding applications.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi offer a comprehensive suite of features to enhance the gaming experience.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi had a slight advantage in terms of voltage stability, while the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi offered a more user-friendly BIOS interface.
When it comes to building a powerful gaming PC, the motherboard plays a crucial role. It serves as the foundation for your system, connecting all the essential components and providing the necessary features to unleash your gaming potential. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit two formidable contenders against each other: the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi. These motherboards offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and value, making them popular choices for gamers and enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve into their specifications, performance, and overall capabilities to determine which one emerges as the victor.
Specifications
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi | MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | AMD X570 | AMD X570 |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB |
| Storage | 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports | 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports |
| Networking | Intel I211AT Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Realtek RTL8125B Gigabit LAN, WiFi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220 8-channel HD audio codec | Realtek ALC1220 8-channel HD audio codec |
| Rear Panel Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
Performance
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi deliver exceptional performance for gaming and other demanding applications. They support the latest AMD Ryzen processors and offer robust overclocking capabilities. In terms of memory performance, both motherboards support high-speed DDR4 memory and feature advanced memory optimization technologies.
In real-world gaming tests, the two motherboards perform neck-and-neck. They provide smooth gameplay, fast loading times, and stable performance even under heavy workloads. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi has a slight edge in some synthetic benchmarks, especially when it comes to multi-threaded operations.
Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi offer a comprehensive suite of features to enhance the gaming experience.
ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi
- TUF Protection: The motherboard is built with military-grade components and features additional protection against moisture, dust, and other environmental factors.
- Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec: This high-quality audio codec provides immersive sound for gaming and entertainment.
- RGB Lighting: The motherboard supports customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your system’s aesthetics.
MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi
- Core Boost Technology: This technology optimizes the motherboard’s power delivery system for improved performance and stability.
- M.2 Shield Frozr: The M.2 slots are equipped with heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling of high-performance NVMe SSDs.
- Mystic Light RGB: The motherboard features integrated RGB lighting and supports synchronization with other MSI components.
Overclocking
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi offer robust overclocking capabilities. They feature advanced BIOS options and utilities that allow experienced users to fine-tune their system’s settings for maximum performance.
In our overclocking tests, both motherboards performed admirably. They were able to achieve stable overclocks on our AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor without any issues. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi had a slight advantage in terms of voltage stability, while the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi offered a more user-friendly BIOS interface.
Cooling
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi feature comprehensive cooling solutions to ensure stable operation under heavy loads.
ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi
- VRM Heatsink: The motherboard has a large VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan to dissipate heat from the power delivery system.
- M.2 Heatsinks: The M.2 slots are equipped with heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling of high-performance NVMe SSDs.
MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi
- Extended Heatsink: The motherboard features an extended heatsink that covers both the VRM and the chipset.
- M.2 Shield Frozr: The M.2 slots are equipped with heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling of high-performance NVMe SSDs.
Value
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi offer excellent value for money. They provide a well-rounded combination of performance, features, and durability at a competitive price point.
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi is slightly more expensive than the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi. However, it offers a few additional features, such as TUF Protection and a dedicated VRM fan. The MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi, on the other hand, has a more user-friendly BIOS interface and features Mystic Light RGB.
Final Note
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi are both excellent choices for gamers and enthusiasts who demand high performance and reliability. They offer a compelling blend of features, overclocking capabilities, and value.
If you’re looking for a motherboard with a focus on durability and a comprehensive cooling solution, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi is a great option. If you’re looking for a motherboard with a user-friendly BIOS interface and integrated RGB lighting, the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid choice.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi are excellent options that will provide a solid foundation for your gaming PC.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi feature high-quality Realtek ALC1220 audio codecs. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi has a slight edge in terms of audio clarity and overall sound quality.
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi has a slight advantage in terms of voltage stability, while the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi has a more user-friendly BIOS interface.
Q: Which motherboard is more durable?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi is designed with military-grade components and features TUF Protection, which provides additional protection against moisture, dust, and other environmental factors. It is the more durable option compared to the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi.
Q: Which motherboard has better RGB lighting?
A: The MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi has better RGB lighting than the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi. It features integrated RGB lighting and supports synchronization with other MSI components.
Q: Which motherboard is a better value for money?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent value for money. However, the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi is slightly more affordable than the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus WiFi. It provides a solid combination of performance, features, and durability at a competitive price point.